"Just tell me what to do." "What is the task list?" "Can you give me a checklist?" "What exactly do you need from me?" Those are all smart questions that you hear from employees from time to time. For the sake of avoiding confusion and misunderstandings, we recommend that you provide employees with specific details whenever you delegate work to them. However, … [Read more...]
5 Biggest Myths Regarding Employee Motivation
Only 32% of employees in the U.S. are engaged, according to Gallup Daily tracking, and in the 15 years since Gallup started tracking the metric, it's barely budged. So despite the general awareness that people are disengaged, companies don't seem to be doing much to help the situation. Unfortunately as a new supervisor, you can almost expect to take over a team of people who … [Read more...]
The Valentine’s Gift to Give to Your Team
Elementary school and Valentine’s Day. It's probably a day you remember well. Everyone arrives with a bag filled with Valentine’s Cards, signed and sealed with names on the outside of the envelope. Secretly, or not so secretly, this is a day many have long been awaiting. Will I get a card from Bobby or Andrew or Betty or Ashleigh? And if I do (or if the “rules” state that … [Read more...]
How to Rebuild Morale After Negative Events
Imagine these disheartening scenarios: Your department just suffered a round of layoffs and you need to rebuild morale. Your organization just lost a large contract and your staff is feeling deflated. A popular employee just quit and you are left to inspire others not to do the same. Those negative events and many others cause a boat load of managerial … [Read more...]
Is All Coaching the Same?
“Is all coaching the same?” Absolutely not. There is a difference between skills and knowledge, and there is definitely a difference when it comes to coaching employees to improve in either area. IMHO, it is easier to coach knowledge. You essentially are presenting facts, data and what works or doesn’t work. It takes less time to coach knowledge because it often requires … [Read more...]
7 Ways to Support and Grow Your Top Performers
As a leader, you should be spending 50% of your energy, focus and time coaching and further developing your employees, specifically your top performers. I truly believe that your most important job is helping employees realize their full potential. When employees do their best, you are more capable of hitting your goals, increasing your productivity and innovating. Still, … [Read more...]
7 Ways for Leaders to Successfully Navigate the Unknown
Few things are certain in this world. When you take over a leadership position for the first time, you undoubtedly will face a world of uncertainty. Everything from how to motivate your team to how you will hit your goals is essentially unknown when you first take the reins. But it's not necessarily a bad thing, says Julie Benezet, author of The Journey of Not … [Read more...]
33 Ways to Make This Your Best New Year’s Eve Ever
Tonight, people, perhaps you, will be partying all evening ... lifting a glass at midnight ... kissing a person nearby ... watching the ball drop ... and celebrating well into the wee hours. Whatever your night has in store, make the most of your New Year's Eve day by following these suggestions. Admittedly, some are silly, but others are serious. Some will take a minute; … [Read more...]
Make Memories, Experience Joy, and Rejuvenate This Holiday Season
Today's post is less about teaching you to overcome the challenges of being a first-time leader and more about helping you enrich your personal life. Thinking about things from a personal perspective seems especially relevant at this time of the year, and so I offer you this food for thought: “Memories are a treasure that can’t be taken from us. Create them regularly, … [Read more...]
Cure Employees’ “Holiday-itis” and Finish the Year Strong
If you are feeling a little less than motivated, you aren't alone. This time of year has a way of affecting people’s attitudes, energy, and productivity. Even if you are feeling especially productive, you may notice that your employees aren't. In fact, they could be suffering from a serious case of "holiday-itis." As with any ailment, the first step in treatment is to … [Read more...]